Softball Drops Game One, But Staves Off Elimination With Rout Of Wildcats

Paula Mackin had two doubles and drove in four RBI. Photo by Joel Auerbach.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—The Barry Buccaneers fell to the Valdosta State Blazers 3-1 in the first round of the NCAA Division II South Region I Tournament, but staved off elimination with a 15-1 win over Fort Valley State in the afternoon.

In the first game, the Bucs (34-13), coming off a two-week layoff, came out a little rusty and surrendered two quick runs to the Blazers (40-9) in the first inning. Natalia Morozova had an RBI single.

In the second, the Bucs struck back for a run. Jessica Tabor walked and scored ahead of an RBI double by Paula Mackin. But the Bucs failed to execute a squeeze bunt and could not push across the equalizer.

From there, Holly Satterfield (23-5) took over for the Blazers, setting down 16 of the next 17 batters. AShley Steinhilber added an insurance run on a solo homer in the sixth inning to make the final 3-1.

Satterfield held the Bucs to a run on four hits and two walks while striking out six in the complete game. Brianna Smith (16-9) took the loss for Barry. She gave up the three runs (two earned) on seven hits. She struck out five and did not walk a batter.

In the elimination game, the Bucs struck early and often against the Wildcats (24-20), scoring five in the first inning, three in the second, two in the third and five more in the fourth.

Mackin (13-3) earned the win with three scoreless innings. Jessica Bevlin mopped up with two innings.

Sarah Broeseker had three hits, including two doubles and scored four runs. Mackin and Grace Collins each had two hits and drove in three runs.

The Bucs face the Blazers again in another elimination game on Sunday, May 15 at 11:00 am Central time. The winner of that game faces the host UAH Chargers immediately after.